LATEST NEWS
​FEB 2024 TEAM CLASSES RESUME
Classes resume in February.... starting with our Inters on Friday February 2nd. All classes are held in our purpose built studios.
​
Tots (pre-school): Saturday 3rd February 8:30 - 9:30
Tinies (7 years and under): Saturday 3rd February 8:30- 10:30
Sub Juniors (10 years and under): Saturday 3rd February 10:45 - 2:00*
Juniors (13 years and under): Saturday 3rd February 2:15 - 6:15
Intermediates (17 years and under): Friday 2nd February 6:00 - 10:00
Seniors (17 years and over): Wednesday 7th February 6:30 - 10:30
*Finish time will increase to 2:15
​
1a / 19 Enterprise Drive
University Hill
Bundoora
22
JAN
Summer School
22nd - 24th January
Merinda Studios
2
FEB
Inters Class Resumes
6pm to 10pm
Merinda Studios
3
FEB
Saturday Classes Resume
Tots 8:30 to 9:30
Tinies 8:30 to 10:30
Subbies 10:45 to 2:00*
Juniors 2:15 to 6:15
7
FEB
Seniors Class Resumes
6:30 to 10:30
Merinda Studios
5
FEB
Acro Classes Resume
Cali Ballet Calsses Resume
8
APR
8th - 10th
Junior / Inter Camp
9
APR
Subbie Camp Day
11
APR
Solo Concert
24
MAY
Senior Camp
24th - 26th May
​
2
JUN
.Stage Rehearsal
Younger sections
23
JUN
Stage Rehearsal
Younger sections
10
JUL
Stage Rehearsal
Seniors
11
JUL
Stage Rehearsal
Subbies / Juniors / Inters
27
OCT
Concert
The competition calendar can be found in the MEMBERS section of the website as soon as CaliVic notifies us, click on the appropriate section below to check:
​
​DEC 2022 PUPIL EXAMS
Well done for all our girls embracing the pupil skills exams. Amazing Results for all our girls once again on their outstanding exam results!
​
Test 1: Maddison A, Hailey B, Kiara C, Olivia F, Chloe H, Phoebe J, Claire J, Jayde L, Milla M, Elaina Z
​
Test 2: Alanna D, Violet G, Imogen K, Ella L, Elaine S, Annabelle Z
​
Test 3: Tancy C, Ella E (Honours), Leila P, Maddie T (Honours), Harper W (Honours), Lyra (Honours), Sharon Y, Isabella Z
​
Grade 1: Ami D, Emily H, Shakayla M, Amelia M, Ellie P, Yuting Q, Sophia Z (Honours), Lanna X
​
Grade 2: Kenna B (Honours), Emily B (Honours with distinction), Mia B (Honours), Mia C, Alessia C (Honours), Eliza D, Molly I (Honours), Isla P, Erin S (Honours with distinction), Bianca W, Sydney W
​
Grade 3: Eliza B (Honours with distinction), Bethany F (Honours with distinction), Phoebe G-P (Honours), Mackenzie G (Honours), Charlize (Honours with distinction)
Grade 4: Hayley C (Honours), Christie H (Honours with distinction), Jayde H (Honours with distinction), Jayde J
DEC 2022 STATE TEAM REPRESENTATIVES
Sending out our HUGE Congratulations to our 2023 Victorian State Team Representatives! We are super proud of these incredible and inspiring performers and are excited for the fantastic experience ahead of them all.
​
Juniors: Erin S
Inters: Alyssa D, Christie H, Olivia K, Maddie M
Seniors: Olivia C, Rachel D, Lara F, Jess H, Chelsea K, Chelsea P, Maddy N & Alex R
​
Best wishes for all our talented and dedicated Merinda Coaches, Prop crews, Costume coordinators and volunteers also involved in this years state team!
NOV 2022 WAYNE JONES AWARD (Merinda)
Congratulations LYNDA SALISBURY on being presented the 2022 WAYNE JONES MEMORIAL TROPHY
This trophy was created in memory of Wayne’s incredible impact on Merinda and it recognises the efforts of those who ALSO give so much of their time to support the whole college.
Lynda you are one in a million. We hope you feel proud of all you have achieved here, you have touched so many lives and your loyalty, kindness, generosity and support will be remembered by us forever. Please don’t be a stranger, we hope we still see you around the studios and at comps for many years to come.
.Thank you
NOV 2022 20 YEAR AWARDS
How special that these two best friends and teammates reached their 20 years together!
They are super friendly, ridiculously talented and best of all fantastic supportive team members.
20 years of performing is a testimony of loyalty, commitment, dedication and a strong love of calisthenics - we are so glad they found their family at Merinda all those years ago!
Definitely they help make Merinda something special!
​
.png)
Merinda Summer School 2023 is ready to go - and it will be the BEST 3 days of the holidays!
​
Full timetable for each day shown in instagram (you can also scroll above)
​
January 23rd to January 25th
Tinies $15 per day
Subbies $35 per day
Juniors$35 per day
Inters / Seniors $35 per day
​
JAN 2023 SUMMER SCHOOL
.png)
​FEB 2022 TEAM CLASSES RESUME
Classes resume in February.... starting with our Seniors on Wednesday February 2nd. All classes are held in our purpose built studios.
​
Tots (pre-school): Saturday 5th February 8:30 - 9:30
Tinies (7 years and under): Saturday 5th February 8:45- 10:30
Sub Juniors (10 years and under): Saturday 5th February 10:45 - 2:15
Juniors (13 years and under): Saturday 5th February 2:30 - 6:00
Intermediates (17 years and under): Friday 4th February 6:00 - 10:00
Seniors (17 years and over): Wednesday 9th February 6:30 - 10:30
Masters (26 years and over): we are not running masters classes in 2022
​
1a / 19 Enterprise Drive
University Hill
Bundoora
JAN 2022 REGISTRATION
BE PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL!
​
If you would like to be a member of Merinda in 2022 you can register your interest by clicking on the button below
​
This helps us plan for class sizes and gives us contact information to let you know what's going on.
​
JAN 2022 COME & TRY DAY
Try us out!!! We'd love you to be a part of our family.
Merinda is a Championship Calisthenic College that strives for excellence in a friendly, supportive environment and January 29th is the perfect chance to be a part of our amazing club
​
8:30am to 9:30am: Tots - Beginner Class
9:45am to 10:45am: Tinies - 7 yrs & under
11am to 12:30pm: Subbies - 10 yrs & under
1pm to 2:30pm: Juniors - 13 yrs & under
​
JAN 2022 SUMMER SCHOOL
Merinda Summer School 2021 is ready to go - and after a year like 2020 we are putting the focus back on Calisthenics!
​
Full timetable for each day shown in instagram (you can also scroll above)
​
January 18th to January 20th
Tinies 9:30am to 11:00am - $15 per day
Subbies 11:15am to 1:15pm - $20 per day
Juniors 1:30pm to 3:30pm - $20 per day
Inters / Seniors 3:45pm to 5:45pm - $20 per day
​
.png)
DEC 2021 CV RUNNERS UP!
Firstly, we are amazed and excited that we were able to COMPETE after 2 extremely trying years! ALL of our sections did unbelievably well - we are incredibly proud of the teamwork, the resilience and the dedication to the sport with so many classes held over zoom again in 2021.
​
Our overall comp results at State Titles in the incredible 7 club Championship section were:
​
Subbies 3rd overall
Juniors 3rd overall (plus runners up at their Ringwood comp!)
Inters 4th overall
Seniors RUNNERS UP!
​
Tots and Tinies do not have an aggregate but they were not only adorable but awesome little humans!
​
These coaches and kids just BLOW US AWAY!
Congratulations
NOV 2021 20 YEAR AWARDS
Congratulations to Rachel Dowling and Penelope Stark-Wolff - 2 of our incredible students on reaching their 20 YEARS AT MERINDA!
​
We know that both of these girls inspire our younger pupils through not only their talents and achievements but also by what they put back into the club.
​
We are so proud of both of you x
​
%20(1).png)
​JUL 2021 PUPIL EXAMS
Amazing Results for all our girls once again on their outstanding exam results!
​
Grade 1: Emily B (honours with distinction) - perfect 100%
Grade 2: Lily D, Eliza B (honours), Merinda (honours with distinction) and Ruby R (honours with distinction)
​MAY 2021 SOLOS
We are so proud of each and every girl that hit the stage, whether they be on stage for the very first time doing a solo or a seasoned performer. The courage to put yourself out there and do what you love is to be admired. Special congratulations to the following:
​
Harper W - 9 years Cal Solo novice p2 - STATE TITLE
Natalie N - 10 years Cal Solo novice p5 - STATE TITLE
Sydney W - 12 years Cal Solo novice p3 - STATE TITLE
Aiva G - 12 years Graceful - STATE TITLE
Olivia K & Alyssa D - Inter Duo - STATE TITLE
Phoebe D - 17 years Cal Solo novice - STATE TITLE
Chelsea W - Senior Cal Solo Elementary - STATE TITLE
Maddie N - Senior Graceful novice p5 - STATE TITLE
Erin R - Senior Graceful Open - 3RD
​
With Covid throwing a spanner in the works there was no Royal South Street Elimination or Competition. Fingers crossed it all goes ahead in 2022.
​
​MAR 2021 MEDAL NEWS
Well done to our newest Medalists!!!! These girls are phenomenal!
Bronze Medallists -Chelsea King (honours) and Ella Peroni (honours)
​
Silver Medalist - Brigette McVeigh (honours)
Gold Medalist - Jess D'Intinosante (honours) - parts A and B Jess will present Part C of her exam later in the 2022 year on stage.
​
Gold Medalist - Morgan King (honours) - part C
​
We are so proud of you all and how hard you worked to achieve these amazing results.
You are all wonderful ambassadors for our college 💙💙💙
MAR 2021 MORE OUTSTANDING LEVEL RESULTS
​
EVERY one of our students achieved Honours or Honours with Distinction! It's not just talent - it's the hours and years of dedication they put in! SO PROUD!
​
Grade 3: Alyssa D (Honours with Distinction) 99%, Evangeline B (Honours), Christie H (Honours with Distinction), Hayley C (Honours with Distinction), Marissa H (Honours), Anastacia P (Honours with Distinction)
​
Grade 4: Olivia C (Honours), Chelsea P (Honours with Distinction)
DEC 2020 AMAZING LEVEL RESULTS
Due to Covid we only had one student do her level exam. Super Congratulations to Maddie M on receiving Honours with Distinction for her Grade 2 Exam.
​
Good luck to all the pupils doing their exams early in 2021!
NOV 2020 COACH OF THE YEAR!
We are so incredibly proud that KATE HUTCHISON has been named the 2019 CHAMPIONSHIP COACH OF THE YEAR at Calisthenics Victoria's Celebrating Calisthenics awards night!
This is an incredible achievement, we are so lucky to have such amazing coaches at Merinda. This is the SECOND YEAR IN A ROW that Merinda have had coaches win this award!!! We truly are part of something special
NOV 2020 WAYNE JONES AWARD (CaliVic)
How fantastic that DEB FARRELLY was awarded the WAYNE JONES SERVICES TO CALISTHENICS at Calisthenics Victoria's Celebrating Calisthenics awards night
NOV 2020 LIFE MEMBER
Congratulations PETER HARDING on your LIFE MEMBERSHIP!
As Principals, We are so lucky to have such amazing support from our families. Peter's support and commitment to Merinda has been outstanding over the years: from MCing events; sponsoring the college; donating bus transport; and in particular the amazing contribution of finding and organising the building our current home!!!!
Thank you!
NOV 2020 WAYNE JONES AWARD (Merinda)
Congratulations LIZ IRVINE on being presented the 2020 WAYNE JONES MEMORIAL TROPHY
This trophy was created in memory of Wayne’s incredible impact on Merinda and it recognises the efforts of those who ALSO give so much of their time to support the whole college.
Liz embodies the spirit of this award completely. She works hard at being the best coach for her pupils and is fantastic mentor to her assistants and cadets. She is organised and engaging, fair and encouraging and takes very seriously the responsibility of coaching at a high standard.
But it’s behind the scenes that her dedication to Merinda really shines particularly this year when things were tough she stepped up even more and was an incredible support helping manage Merinda.
Thank you!
NOV 2020 20 YEAR AWARDS
20 YEARS WHAT A MILESTONE!
Congratulations to Ashley and Jess!
How lucky we are that you are part of the Merinda Family. Your Friendship, loyalty and talent have been remarkable!
Well done we love you!
2020 ONLINE CLASSES
So this year was incredibly different from ANY OTHER YEAR we have ever experienced. We are so very thankful and proud of all our coaches and pupils who embraced the challenges of our new reality!
And while it may have looked quiet from the outside - we were a buzzing hive of activity! We had weekly catch up classes with each of our sections via zoom. Our coaches really excelled, making these classes varied and exciting - with warmups, stretches, strength, skills, choreography, games, dances, themed days, scavenger hunts, cooking & special guests.
​
We celebrated Mothers day, Fathers day and Halloween. We had a mid year special celebrating the end of zoom (little did we know!) and even put on an end of year Concert!
We ran a number of special events. The Winter Lockdown Challenge, the Stepping Up Challenge, the Spring into Spring event. We ran trivia nights, mums nights, sleepovers, camps and movie nights!
​
So all in all not much rest! So amazing that we could stay connected in such an unprecedented year.
JUN 2020 THIS IS CALISTHENICS
A huge CONGRATULATIONS to our very talented Rachel who is featured in the upcoming television special THIS IS CALISTHENICS!
​
Such a great experience for all the people involved, and wonderful to see our sport getting out to the masses.
MAY 2020 AMBASSADOR
We are thrilled to announce our Merinda Ambassador for 2020 is Lauren Farrelly.
Lauren was chosen for her strong sense of loyalty, commitment, and leadership skills. Her positive attitude to classes, coaching and life are infectious. The care and mentoring she gives to the younger members of the college is inspiring. She always shows great sportsmanship and her inclusive manner to all make Lauren the perfect choice to represent Merinda to the Calisthenic Community and show everyone how we, at Merinda are part of Something Special.
* photo courtesy of Hoffa Studios
​APR 2020 GOLD LEADING CLUB
Yes it's true! Merinda Calisthenic College has reached
GOLD LEADING CLUB status!
​
We are proud to join the handful of other
Calisthenic clubs that have obtained this level:
​
Arden Crescent, Aurora, Bentleigh, Boronia, Hawthorn, Knox Waverley and Regency.
​
This is a huge achievement and we owe a debt of gratitude to Ros Borg for her drive, expertise and sheer amount of work she put into making this goal a reality.
​
Go Merinda!
​MAR 2020 CLASSES CLOSED
Due to the COVID-19 transmission reduction measures put in place for all organisations, Merinda also needs to help reduce the risk of infection and slow the spread of coronavirus in the Victorian community by cancelling all non-essential gatherings.
We have been following advice from Calisthenics Victoria, and our priority is the health and safety of our families. We all love calisthenics, but at this time, to ensure the health and wellbeing of all, we have decided to cancel all classes until further notice.
This includes:
- All Masters, Seniors, Inters, Juniors, Subbies, Tinies and Tots classes
- Solo concert
- Junior/Inter camp
- Ballet and Acro classes
- Solo Competitions
Senior camp scheduled for Friday 19 – Sunday 21 June at this stage will still proceed, but we will assess over the next few weeks/months. We ask all Junior/Inters families to try and keep this weekend free as we hope we may be able to organise something this weekend altogether (sounds like fun!
​
Check that you are receiving emails and make sure that you are members of your sections facebook groups (including the work group). We will be continuing to update and find ways to coach remotely.
​
We wish you all the best over the coming weeks, please remember we are here to support and care for all our girls and families so don’t hesitate to contact us, call, email or message if you need us. Stay Healthy, stay fit, stay positive.
​MAR 2020 MEDAL NEWS
Well done to our newest Bronze Medallists -Lara Finlayson, Caitlin Hocking, Hayley Yuill (honours), Brigette McVeigh (honours with distinction) and Erin Roycroft (honours with distinction).
Well done to our newest Silver Medalist - Jess D'Intinosante (honours)
And last but not least our newest Gold Medalist - Morgan King (honours).
Morgan will present Part C of her exam later in the year on stage.
We are so proud of you all and how hard you worked to achieve these amazing results.
You are all wonderful ambassadors for our college 💙💙💙
​FEB 2020 TEAM CLASSES RESUME
Classes resume in February.... starting with our Inters on Friday February 7th. All classes are held in our purpose built studios.
​
Tots (pre-school): Saturday 8th February 8:30 - 9:30
Tinies (7 years and under): Saturday 8th Februray 9:00- 11:00
Sub Juniors (10 years and under): Saturday 8th February 11:00 - 3:00
Juniors (13 years and under): Saturday 8th February 2:00 - 6:00
Intermediates (17 years and under): Friday 7th February 6:00 - 10:00
Seniors (17 years and over): Wednesday 12th February 6:30 - 10:30
Masters (26 years and over): Tuesday 25th February 7:00 - 9:30
​
1a / 19 Enterprise Drive
University Hill
Bundoora
FEB 2020 ACRO CLASSES
ACRO classes on Tuesdays are a great way for our younger students to develop strength and flexibility, and enhance their gymnastic based skills outside of regular class time.
FEB 2020 BALLET CLASSES RESUME
Set aside your Monday nights for Ballet classes with the superb Miss Effie. Cecchetti syllabus with exams available. An absolute must for those wishing to improve deportment, turnout, feet, strength and technique.
6-8 years: 4:30 - 5:30
9-12 years: 5:30 - 6:30
13 years plus: 6:30 - 7:30
FEB 2020 WELL DONE RACHEL!
Congratulations to Rachel on being selected
as an ambassador for Hoffa Studios!
​
Absolutely Stunning!
​
​
​JAN 2020 AMAZING GRACE
Amazing Grace NEW YORK, NEW YORK starts JAN 31st and runs for a limited time only!
​
Looking forward to seeing all the incredibly talented calisthenic girls performing in this show which
Celebrates all things Broadway. This song and dance extravaganza features a cast of 40 calisthenics and musical theatre performers, accompanied by a live orchestra
​
What an experience for Morgan, Rachel and Jess! Merinda families come out in force, support our girls and enjoy this fabulous event!
​
​
JAN 20-22 SUMMER SCHOOL
Merinda Summer School 2020 is looking fabulous! We have industry professionals from dance, circus and gymnastics all booked in and ready to
make this summer AMAZING!
Full timetable for each day shown in instagram (you can also
scroll above)
​
Monday $50
Tuesday $50
Wednesday $60
or all three days for $135!!!
JAN 2020 EXCITING NEWS
Congratulations to Aiva (pictured) on her selection into the Australian Ballet School ITP programme 2020 and for becoming an Ambassador for Hoffa Studios! Big year ahead for this clever girl.
DEC 2019 AMAZING LEVEL RESULTS
Congratulations to our students on their FABULOUS level results - with nearly 80% receiving Honours or Honours Distinction (not including test 1 and test 2 where no grading is actually given).
​
Extra special mention to Chelsea P on her 100% result for Grade 3!
​
More details on our achievements page.
DEC 2019 2020 STATE TEAM REPRESENTATIVES
Congratulations to the following students on being selected for the 2020 Victorian State Team!
​
Juniors: Mia G, Maddie M, Ruby R
Inters: Chelsea P
Seniors: Rachel D, Chelsea K, Jess H and Honoria R
​
What a fabulous achievement for these talented girls!
OCT 2019 WE ARE A SILVER LEADING CLUB!
We have reached SILVER in Cali Vics Leading Clubs program. The Cali Vic Leading Clubs Program is a quality assurance program endorsed by Sport and Recreation Victoria and VicSport, designed to assist Clubs to identify, prioritise and implement effective management strategies to meet the changing demands on calisthenic clubs.
​
A MASSIVE thank you to Ros Borg for all the work she has done in the background to help us reach this level. Our policies and procedures can be found on our POLICIES page.
OCT 2019 OUTSTANDING RSSS RESULTS
Earlier in the year, three extremely talented senior soloists - Brigette McV, Honoria R and Rachel D were selected as finalists in both the Graceful and Calisthenic Solo competitions at Royal South Street. An amazing feat on its own!
​
Congratulations to all these beautiful girls! To be placed in this elite competition is just the icing on the cake. Rachel came home with a magnificent 2nd in her Graceful. What an achievement! And to top it off Honoria was placed an incredible 3rd in BOTH her Graceful and her Calisthenic Solo! WOW.
​
Our Tinies were the only team to compete at Royal South Street this year and were superb! As well as being supremely cute - they also brought come the Kathleen Wiseman Trophy for their 1st place in Song!
OCT 2019 JUNIORS WIN STATE TITLES!
JUL 2019 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!
What a year this incredible Junior team have had! Following on from an amazing year last year with aggregate wins at every comp and runners up at State Titles, this year they backed themselves, dug deep, and went that step further to come home STATE CHAMPIONS.
​
Congratulations Coaches, Girls and Supporters. Enjoy!
​
Yes, it's true! We have another Merinda Grown National Champion!
Congratulations to the most amazing HONORIA on winning Nationals with her Calisthenic Solo.
​
The very beautiful and talented Mya L was a member of the winning Sub Junior team at Nationals!
​
This year we had soloists selected for EVERY solo at Nationals - we are so proud of each and every girl. Honor was not the only soloist to place at Nationals. Full details on our achievements page.
​
JUN 2019 COACH OF THE YEAR!
We are incredibly proud to Announce that Sue Harding has been awarded 2018 Coach of the Year! We've always known she is incredibly talented and dedicated, but fantastic to have the Calisthenic community recognise her ability. How lucky are we?
MAY 2019 40TH GALA CELEBRATIONS.
2019 sees Merinda in it's 40th year of competition. We had an amazing night at the Arts Centre reminiscing and celebrating with old and new friends - a truly wonderful night!
​
OLD NEWS
​FEB 2023 TEAM CLASSES RESUME
Classes resume in February.... starting with our Seniors on Wednesday February 2nd. All classes are held in our purpose built studios.
​
Tots (pre-school): Saturday 4th February 8:30 - 9:30
Tinies (7 years and under): Saturday 4th February 8:45- 10:30
Sub Juniors (10 years and under): Saturday 4th February 10:45 - 2:15
Juniors (13 years and under): Saturday 4th February 2:15 - 6:15
Intermediates (17 years and under): Friday 3rd February 6:00 - 10:00
Seniors (17 years and over): Wednesday 8th February 6:30 - 10:30
Masters (26 years and over): we are not running masters classes in 2023
​
1a / 19 Enterprise Drive
University Hill
Bundoora